What does punch-drunk mean?

English as a Second Language English Teacher Explanations (ESL Tests)
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English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #280 [color=blue]“English Slang Idioms (2)”, question 5

He had to pull his car over to sleep. He was too punch-… with fatigue to drive safely.

(a) happy
(b) affected
(c) slappy
(d) drunk

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #280 [color=blue]“English Slang Idioms (2)”, answer 5

He had to pull his car over to sleep. He was too punch-drunk with fatigue to drive safely.

Correct answer: (d) drunk
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punch-drunk=confused; in boxing : dazed by punches received in a flight

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Hi Kati,
Punch-drunk also refers to person who acts in a confused or dazed manner.

3

Hello Linda,

We say “Everything comes to him/her who waits” I am very ashamed that I didn’t say to you thanks for your letter. In that time I couldn’t know the etiquette of the posting. Now I see and understand your explanation. And I found in the Hungarian dictionary and after the Oxford dictionary also: punch-drunk =(boxing of a boxer) confused as a result of being punched on the head many times.

Best wishes: Kati